In The Awakening, Kate Chopin describes the expectations and social norms for females of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and describes the reactions of society to women who break those norms. A central component of the ideal lady at this time was an absolute submissiveness to societal expectations and to men, particularly the wills and commands of her husband and father. When a female disrespected individuals of this group, it would not only be considered improper, but grounds for the lowering of class and expulsion from society.
In the 1886 book Decorum: A Practical Treatise on Etiquette and Dress of the Best American Society, the first duty of a wife is listed as “Avoid All Causes for Complaint” and goes on to describe …show more content…
These rules were put in place not by their husbands as an intentional method for keeping females subservient, but rather became social standards and one who did not follow them would risk sullying not only their own, but also their spouse’s reputation. One such duty was the reception day, which required a household to hold one day reserved for visitors of various acquaintances, and served as a form of societal check on the household. On that day the home was to be prepared for visitors, and with the exception of sickness, there would be no excuse for the wife to not be available during that day for the reception of guests. The normal hours for this was twelve to three (123), and during this time anyone known to the husband would be invited to dine or converse. Often the wives of friends or colleges of the husband would attend these meetings in order to establish stronger ties between the parties for the benefit of their husbands, and the reception would often be used as a judge to the class and respectfulness of the household. This regular social gathering pressured the female to keep the expected manners, and to allow her time to be used for the husband’s or other men’s
In the 1886 book Decorum: A Practical Treatise on Etiquette and Dress of the Best American Society, the first duty of a wife is listed as “Avoid All Causes for Complaint” and goes on to describe …show more content…
These rules were put in place not by their husbands as an intentional method for keeping females subservient, but rather became social standards and one who did not follow them would risk sullying not only their own, but also their spouse’s reputation. One such duty was the reception day, which required a household to hold one day reserved for visitors of various acquaintances, and served as a form of societal check on the household. On that day the home was to be prepared for visitors, and with the exception of sickness, there would be no excuse for the wife to not be available during that day for the reception of guests. The normal hours for this was twelve to three (123), and during this time anyone known to the husband would be invited to dine or converse. Often the wives of friends or colleges of the husband would attend these meetings in order to establish stronger ties between the parties for the benefit of their husbands, and the reception would often be used as a judge to the class and respectfulness of the household. This regular social gathering pressured the female to keep the expected manners, and to allow her time to be used for the husband’s or other men’s